Supercars will race under lights next year with confirmation of a new night race on the 2018 championship calendar.
The Western Sydney venue will host the inaugural Red Rooster Sydney Super Night 300 on August 4, which will be the first time the series has raced under lights on Australian soil since Calder Park in 1997.
Supercars has long been keen to add night racing to its schedule as part of a new special quick-fire event likened to cricket’s Twenty20 format.
The confirmation will see the championship contest a 300km race under lights on August 4, with the encounter set to begin from 7pm and conclude at 10pm.
“We’ve made no secret we wanted to stage a night race next year and I am delighted to say it is now a reality that we will hold this race under lights in Sydney,” said Supercars CEO James Warburton.
Supercars conducted a light test with Fabian Coulthard and Simona de Silvestro at this year’s Sydney Motorsport Park championship round in August to trial temporary lighting equipment.
Television cameras were also on hand to film the test to ensure the quality of the footage is sufficient to broadcast.
The event will run using temporary lighting as the circuit continues to lobby the New South Wales State Government to secure permanent lights at the track.
“Sydney Motorsport Park is already open 360 days of the year, and the introduction of circuit lighting and extended operating hours would introduce a whole new level of access for all motorsport and automotive enthusiasts, from after-work racing and spectating, endurance racing, driver and rider safety programs, corporate hospitality, job creation, education, exhibitions, and much more,” said Sydney Motorsport Park CEO, Glenn Matthews.
“The Red Rooster Sydney SuperNight 300 is the first exciting step towards making this as a reality.
“Sydney Motorsport Park is one of the busiest sites in Western Sydney, hosting more than 600 events with more than 330,000 visitors coming through our gates annually.
“We want to make Sydney Motorsport Park the premier destination for the industry in Australia – not just for motor racing and motorsport, but for automotive technology, innovation, education, tourism and community engagement.
“We are committed to working with our partners, promoters, and the NSW Government in realising this vision.”
The full 2018 Supercar calendar is due to be revealed tomorrow.
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